FCC Commissioner Michael J. Copps is holding a public hearing on media ownership 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., March 31 in at Duke Law School in Durham, N.C.

A public hearing was held today to discuss media ownership.

U.S. Reps. Richard Burr (R-NC) and David Price (D-NC) and FCC Commissioner Jonathan S. Adelstein will join Copps at the hearing, which consists of three major panels – “Localism and Community Standards,” “News,” and “Diversity.” After the panels, the floor will be open to the general public to make comments.

Copps, who is holding the hearing over the objections of FCC chairman Michael Powell, said the purpose is to give citizens outside of Washington, D.C., an opportunity to voice their opinions about media concentration.

“This is the biggest decision the FCC will make this year, and it will affect your television, radio, newspapers, cable TV, and Internet news and entertainment for years to come,” Copps said. “I hope everyone concerned will come make their voices heard.”